Foss Running Camp Tribute (Kevin Maloney)

Dear Kevin Maloney,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wisdom and advice you've shared that has transformed my life. Your words have not only inspired me but also others around me. Over the past nine years, Foss Running Camp has brought me the magic of true beauty, and I'm incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with exceptional mentors like George Rose, Michael Clark, Artie Demers, and Rick Kates.

Witnessing the excellence of individuals like Aaron Ladd, James Fletcher, Rebecca Trachsel, Dennis Sheppard, Perry Pappas, and Erin Dromgoole has been invaluable. Moreover, the impact Foss Running Camp has had on my student athletes at 242 Willey Pond Road, Strafford NH, has left an indelible mark on the city of Boston. I acknowledge that I'm not perfect, and if my actions have offended anyone, I extend my sincere apologies. You understand my passion lies with the kids and the sport that shaped me into the person I am today.

I deeply appreciate your belief in me and the motivation you've provided. Your words in 2017 about my potential to rejuvenate the city carry immense weight, and I'm committed to that endeavor. With your support and that of the running community, I am resolute in making Boston, Massachusetts, the global epicenter of running.

Thank you once again for everything.

Dreams are Tangible Goals

Foss Family Orphan LOL that did his way

#TheSonOfFranklinPark
#GrandsonOfMonetusJeanLouis
#DreamsAreTangibleGoals
#WeAreLive
#Year9
#AdversityBecomesDestiny

Questions to my Former Self w/ Aaron Lucci @peachylucci

The running community its deep. We feel connected to strangers from the mere word of “PR”. The connection between runners goes beyond the confines of gender and class. I am very fortunate in my journey to have met some beautiful souls, amazing people along the way. In the tradition of paying it forward, i wanted to continue the Questions to my former self series. Today we catch up with Aaron Lucci. For the last few summers my main man, Coach Perry Pappas of Wakefield HS XCTF here in Mass, always talked highly about the kids who were amazing runners, leaders and teammates. Lucci was one of those kids, who is now a college graduate.

I was fortunate this past summer Year 5 for me but first time attending week one at Foss Running Camp this is where I got to see and experience the legend of Lucci

Question to my Former Self with Aaron Lucci:

Social Media

Instagram: peachylucci

Twitter: @Green_Lucci

Facebook: Aaron Lucci

First & Last name: Aaron Green Lucci

Age: 23

HS Graduated & year graduated: Wakefield Memorial High School 2014

College & Year of Graduation: The University of Vermont 2018

Running Club: Battle Road Track Club

Events:

PR’s 8kxc 25:04 3k 8:30 mile 4:11 1500 3:51

DATG: Who are your biggest influences in your life and why ?

Aaron Lucci: My two biggest personal influences are defiantly my parents Pam & Rob. My mother ran at Wakefield High school (with coach Deke and Duff) and still runs now, completing her first half marathon this past year(2019). Her parents both started running during the jogging boom of the 1970s, and ran into there late 60s. My grandfather completed his first marathon in the 1980s and my grandmother completed her first half marathon a few years ago 2008 when she was 67 . From day one I have been so fortunate to have overwhelming support from them. My dad did not play any sports in High School (also Wakefield High School) but began running in his late 40s as my sister and I became involved in the sport. My father has had a much bigger influence on my musical tastes. Giving me all of his records, and buying me my first iPod in 2008 (which I still have). He first introduced me to Jazz, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix. I still remember him pulling out Jimi's "Electric Lady Land" Album when I was in 5th grade. Later when I was starting to play bass in school Jazz band he gave me Herbie Hancock's "Headhunters" album, and Charles Mingus's "Mingus 5x" album. Both parents have given me the tools and inspiration to become the runner and musician I am today.

DATG: Who do you listen to or what artists gets you in the zone before competition or do you have different warm up routine ?

Aaron Lucci: I typically do listen to music on the way to competition, but as soon as I am out of the bus or car my ears are out of the headphones. In high school and college I would always try to be a good team member and not isolate myself in a meet setting. I remember Mike Rutt (current UML coaching staff) talking about how he used to do his drills listening to music, but stopped at some point and found he was more relaxed and raced better. I have continued to try to be in the moment in the hours before competition. However on the way to the Battle Road Workout tonight I hope to listen to Mac Demarco.

DATG: if you have a chance to go for a run with anyone in the world who would it be and why ?

Aaron Lucci: I would go for a run with my old roommate Pat Coppinger (Lowell, UVM) because he has the most interesting stories.

DATG: What inspired you to start Vlogging ? What’s the url address (I will Hyperlink it)

Aaron Lucci: I was inspired to start Vlogging after watching Bri Ilarda's VLOG about training and her day to day life. I have always loved taking pictures and this feels like a natural extension of that.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMFDT3NJ7G80FfLCnYccCw?view_as=subscriber

DATG: what’s your go to cereal ?

Aaron Lucci: Cheerios

DATG: What was it liked being Coached by Coach Perry Pappas ?

Aaron Lucci: I got to see Pap turn the program around. He was an assistant until my junior year at which point he became the head cross country couch. I can still remember him explaining what the difference between an aerobic and anaerobic run to us, using a white board as we sat on the outdoor track. I always felt like he could explain why we were doing the workouts he gave us, and he was always learning something new. I had complete trust in him as a coach, and I think that is one of the most important things an athlete can have.

DATG: what advice or experience would you like to share to the future Freshmen who will be entering Wakefield High School and they are interested in running?

Aaron Lucci: I almost played soccer the fall of my freshman year, and making the decision to run cross country was the best decision I have ever made.. Ill say it again running Cross Country was the single best decision I have ever made. My advise , Don't Quit.

DATG: When & Where did you run your personal Best in your most memorable race

Aaron Lucci: A race I will never forget is the America East DMR Indoor 2018. I ran the 1600 leg smart and we finished 2nd. Awesome race, and the only conference medal I got with a relay team in College.

DATG: When did you first started running competively?

Aaron Lucci: I won the middle school mile in 8th grade. That's the first race I can remember being excited leading up to it, hurting during, and feeling exhilarated after.

DATG: Where do yourself in five years ?

Aaron Lucci: In five years I hope to have lowered all of my college PRs. Everything else is out of focus, but I will probably still live in or around Boston, and call my grandparents on Sundays.

DATG: Why do you keep coming back to Foss Running Camp ?

Aaron Lucci: Foss is the first place I met a group of adults who all ran in college and put running first in there day-to-day. Not to mention all the friends from different towns I made in High school who became role models and future teammates. I keep coming back because I know I can pass on that focus and hopefully inspire some high-school kids to run in College. On a selfish level, its the best week of training I get all year.

DATG: why are you still running as a Post Grad ?

Aaron Lucci: The desire to improve my PRs, a love of racing, and a love for training. The first two I have had since day one, running the mile in middle school gym class. Its only been in the past four years I have slowly come to realize just how good it feels to be in great shape and to strive for that feeling. Once you are in love with the process there's no turning back.

DATG: Why battle Road Club

Aaron Lucci: After College I reached out to a few clubs in Boston and Battle Road was the first club to get back to me. Now that I know more about the other clubs around Boston I am glad I am here, because there are no hobby joggers on the team. There is a diversity in ability, but all the people on the team seem to be focused on running. It is also great to now train with a bunch of guys from America East I used to race. (and who used to beat me) I also like that we are underdogs and not too big. USATF Club Nats is next week in PA! (dec14)

Great Questions, I can't wait to hear from other athletes and coaches!!

Best

Lexington Captures Both Middlesex League XC Titles via Bay State Running

The setting is the Woburn Country Club. The weather is perfect for cross country racing, and the course features its own unique intricacies: rolling hills, tight turns, and deceiving straightaways. If an athlete is going to make a decisive move, it better be a tactical one.

This was my first time attending the Middlesex League Championship, and I was looking forward to seeing some of my peers, who just happen to be a collection of some of the best coaches in the state. New Hall of Famer Matt Carr of Burlington, the legend Bill Babcock of Lexington and my Foss Family of Coach Perry Pappas of Wakefield and Meet Director/Head Woburn Coach James Fletcher.

As I approach the starting line, I start to see some familiar faces: Rick Kates (the man of many hats) - Executive Director of the MSTCA, Coach of Notre Dame Academy (Hingham) and member of the Foss Running Camp Family. Head Coach of Boston Latin, Michael Meagher, served as the head referee of the meet, and never fails to start his conversation with me, "What's up big guy?" I feel this is a common phrase heard by many coaches in Massachusetts. However, I also think Coach Meagher wanted to get another look at the Lexington Girls as his BLS girls will battle against them on November 9th for the Emass Divisional 1 Title. We are officially in the postseason! Coaches and runners are waiting for results and gearing up for their respective Divisional meets, almost like its Christmas.

The girls race had many storylines that I was eager to see. How does the Winchester duo of Lizzy Reynolds and Ella Aldrich compare to the Lexington pack of Dana Ofek, Mirra Payson, and Pauline Steines. Melrose's senior duo of Alex Cotugno and Katie Duffy, and the talented freshman from Arlington Simone Harrison all seem to be in the mix for individuals. And, despite a fairly down year, don’t count out any of the hometown Tanners.

Working my way to the starting line, I was enjoying the meanest chocolate chip cookie I’ve had in a long time, complemented by a small hot chocolate. Salute to arguably the best concession stand this Championship Weekend, as the Woburn Boosters/Families had the spread to die for. I am content, and now looking at the athletes getting in their last strides. The official’s voice echoes, "2 more minutes" across the first fairway. At this stage different teams are having group huddles, and I’m seeing several packs of girls leaning in a circle, quiet and composed. I believe the team component will be the theme of today’s race.

As the gun goes off, Winchester’s Lizzy Reynolds established the lead from the start, Lexington’s top 5 immediately tuck in to a tight pack, and mixed in with them were the Melrose and Woburn girls. It is truly commendable to see a runner take it from the gun, pace a race for well over two miles, but Reynolds could only hold on for 4,995 meters. Lexington’s Danna Ofek closed hard in the last 1000m, and caught Reynolds at the line, defending her Middlesex League Championship with a photo finish ending. Ofek registered a time of 19:25, Reynolds finished in 19:26.57, and the stellar frosh Payson from Lexington finished third with a 19:26.98. The Lexington girls team cruised easily to win the The Bill O’Connor Girl's Race, and are set up well for the Divisional Meet November 9th.

Before the John DiComandrea Boy's Varsity Race, I made another stop at the concession stand, this time for some delicious white chocolate chip macadamia cookies. However, I knew the real treat was coming up next. Many of the student athletes competing in the Boy's Varsity race are athlete's that I have developed a rapport with over the last four years, whether it be from Foss Running Camp or Bay State Running. As much as I wanted to enjoy a good competitive race, I had some unanswered questions. One of the biggest was figuring out just how healthy Lexington junior Nick Porter is. We have a lot of kids that could win today, starting with Lexington's seniors Micah Benson and Adam Bernstein, Junior James Johnson from Burlington, the senior duo from Wakefield Matt Roberto and Tanner Jellison, and Woburn's own Alex Cravens. There were a lot of athletes in the mix for the individual title.

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With last years featured talents like Ryan Oosting and Rishab Parkash gone, this left the door open for a potential upset, and Coach Babcock even opined, "Any kid could win today". From the start of the race Matt Roberto from Wakefield dictated the pace with Micah Benson from Lexington and Alex Cravens from Woburn, bringing the crowded group through the mile in about 4:58. The golf course had it's twist and turns, and fittingly, so did the race. After the mile, the lead pack started paying a little for the early pace, and new faces emerged from the crowd. Stephen Carvalho from Belmont, followed by Bernstein from Lexington and Johnson from Burlington. In the end, Carvalho held on to win the individual title in close with a time of 16:09, ahead of Adam Bernstein with a time of 16:10 and James Johnson with a time of 16:11. Wakefield's Tanner Jellison had the kick of the day, as he was sitting in ninth or tenth but blasted the last 200 meters to earn fourth overall in 16:25. The Lexington Boys easily won the team title scoring 36 points and placing 2-6-8-9-11.

In conclusion, thanks to Coach Fletcher for the invite. I believe the late, great Coach O'Connor would be proud of how he conducts the meet year in and year out. Nerveless, The Lexington program looked solid in all races and will be competing respectively for a Division I title in both genders. I especially loved the story of Stephen Carvalho, the underdog, who beat the favorites and who will make his bid as an All-State qualifier along with Alex Cravens and the rest of the Woburn team in the Division 2 meet. The talented team from Wilmington measured their efforts today and feel they match up well against Newburyport in the Division 5 meet. Lastly, Wakefield’s Roberto and Jellison will be amongst the top runners in Division 3.

Personally, I cannot wait for November 9th!

Dreams Are Tangible Goals

Coach H

BPSXC x Martha Vineyard HS Invitational Recap/Results 2018

After an amazing summer of captain practices, as well as attending the Bostonxc with Coach Tim Broe and Foss Running Camp week 2 (August 19th-26th). The Student Athlete's and I believed that we have a chance to be the first City team in over 30 Years to qualify for All States. Over the last three decades BPS has produced amazing front runners but never a team of five to seven Student Athletes that had a top four finish at the Emass Divisional Meet.. After this past weekend we are proud to share that #DreamsAreTangibleGoals we are getting closer to the Goal. #BPSvsHistory

Amazing performance every runner ran a personal best. We lost by 8 points to Woburn HS boys team, salute to Coach Fletcher #TannerPride. Two years ago we attended the ninth Annual Martha's Vineyard Invitational, we entered in the JV division and ran decent. 

First we shall start with Cristian Novelle-Ruddy, young brother of two year Captain Gustavo Novelle-Ruddy who is a freshman at Regis College. Cristian started his career off, running his first 5k in 20:14 and placed 19th Overall earning him a medal in the JV race. 

First time since the inception of the City Wide XC team, we had Five Boys under 18 Mins.
Boys Varsity Results: Click Here 

16th Place Overall: Adnan Abdi Rahman 17:17 27 sec PR 
25th Gemsley Cajuste 17:32.02 first 5k ever 
26th Victor Baez Jr. 17:36.10 7 secs PR 
31st Johan Sepulveda 17:53 first 5k Ever
32nd Douglas Alvarado 17:54 71 sec improvement
46th Ezra Taub 18:25 first 5k ever
48th Joshua Joseph 18:27 first 5k ever

via CityofBostonCrossCountry

@FossRunningCamp Week 2 (August 19th-26th) Review

#FossFamily Sports is a powerful tool no matter your residence your school district your gender and most important complexion of your skin. Competition doesn’t have a color. Proud of these boys the respect for our common man is the motto.

Entering my Third year as Staff at Foss Running Camp, it came a perfect time. The everyday hustle of city life can wear one’s soul and body, occupying my mind with other people’s stresses. I couldn’t wait to get to Strafford New Hampshire. Fortunately I was placed in the Zelander Cabin with the boys team of North Attleboro and Cohasset respectively. Nevertheless I am familiar with the North Attleboro XC, kept in contact over the last year since camp with several members so I knew this week would be a smooth week.

Every year when I attend camp, I pick the brains of the guest speakers and the coaches who are there who I wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to do so. Besides close mentors in Coach Kevin Maloney, Rick Kates & George Rose. I was fortunate to speak with Coach Phil Maia and Art Demers, in my opinion two of the best the New England Region has seen in the last two decades. My father once told me to be sponge, and soak up the wisdom, knowledge and experiences. I have learned valuable lessons, most of the top notch coaches had some hurdle to conquer on the way to a successful season and careers. Most important lesson taught this year is learning how to prioritize the Wife and balance out coaching and personal life.

Write here…

Special Salute to Caroline Johannes from Hingham HS Camper of the Week #HuntingSeason

Man oh man recovery after runs !

Why it's important to shop at Marathon Sports @Marathon_Sports @csteverun @MSteamsales

The importance of supporting local, many of us find it convenient to shop online. Everything you desire is just a click away. Yes they're are many companies that participate in community events but does that effort impact you directly ? 

Marathon Sports was founded in 1975, in a renovated first floor apartment in Harvard Square. Over the last thirty years Marathon Sports have built a world class brand, impacting the running community nationwide and especially here in Massachusetts. Yes it is tempting to order from Amazon, but I encourage you to spend your hard earn dollars with Marathon Sports, especially if you are from and reside in the New England Area.

As runners it's imperative that you get "The Right Fit", a bio-mechanical analysis in the shoe selection process". Expert in the stores are there to assist you identifying and selecting the right running shoes during and easy stress free experience. The wrong footwear can cause injury the right footwear can prevent injuries.

The money spent at Marathon Sports, goes right back into the Community, " All of our stores have strong ties to do our local communities", by hosting in stores events, weekly running clubs, pub runs, shopping nights, products launch events plus many more are all an integral part of the fabric of our the 12 cities and towns they serve here in Massachusetts. 

For me personally I have had first hand experience with Marathon Sports, as a Head Coach of BPS XC plus West Roxbury TF (Indoor & Outdoor) teams, they are very influential and make their presence known, as I see the banner through out MSTCA events in the academic calendar year. Special salute to Stephen Infascelli, since I have been embraced into the Coaching fraternity here in Massachusetts @csteverun has been a supporter of the BPS XC Team. Last XC season during the Frank Kelley Meet, right before my team was about to run "Infa" came up to me said come by the tent I got something for your team. 

Set up your Team Spike Night @Marathon_Sports 20% OFF trainers, spikes, gear etc. Pizza, free swag and raffles included! Family is welcome! pic.twitter.com/a4FnfUk5a4

— Dennis Sheppard (@MSteamsales) August 1, 2017

Also a close peer of mine Head Coach Dennis Sheppard of the Marshfield Rams Boys TF/XC Program has joined the Marathon Sports Team Sales. Infa x Shepp are household names in the running community, two men I value that they are in my life, amazing runners during high school and college careers and now they are paying it forward through their involvement in the running community. Guys like this are the reason's why Massachusetts has a rich running history, why Marathon Sports is amazing, their are experts who understand the in's and outs of being a runner on every level. #Blessed #FossFamily